I think it’s safe to say that the general consensus on the new Rega IO amplifier and upgraded Planar 1 turntable is that they truly outperform their price point. Especially when you take in to consideration that both of these products are handmade in the UK. So join me now as I take a closer look at these giant slayers!

The Rega IO, the most affordable UK made amplifier on the market, is essentially a stripped back version of the ever popular Brio. An amplifier that has been known for making fantastic sounds for a number of years now. The IO may only have three of the five inputs its older sibling has, but don’t let that put you off; The sound produced by this little wonder is everything you have come to expect from Rega’s high quality of engineering. Although physically smaller, the IO uses the same power amplifier and phono stage as its larger, multi-award winning, brother. The IO aims to deliver exceptional sound quality in a smaller and more cost effective package. The class A/B circuit shares its DNA with the rest of Rega’s amplifiers, and as usual, great care has been taken in component selection.

Couple the IO with the latest incarnation of the Planar 1 turntable, which now sports a sleek matte finish in either black or white and a new updated eBLT drive belt which improves speed stability. This combination is truly a force to be reckoned with. This latest update loses none of its multi-award winning ‘Plug and Play’ design and is also accompanied by Rega’s handmade RB110 tonearm, with pre-set bias and a factory fitted Carbon cartridge. Set-up is possible in under 30 seconds and delivers incredible performance, well beyond its price point.

Let’s take a closer look

One review I read recently suggested that the little IO was half of the Brio in terms of both price and performance. I personally don’t think this to be fair or necessarily true. The IO may be cheaper but it is every bit as capable as the Brio in terms of its sound. One of the most prominent differences is that you don’t get all the extra inputs that you would find on the larger models in the Rega family. Also, the remote that is supplied with the IO may be smaller and a little stripped back but it has everything you need to make it an easy listening experience. Don’t forget the inclusion of a really great sounding built in headphone amplifier. The phono input is no slouch either and is more than capable of getting the most out of the Planar 1’s Carbon Cartridge, not to mention any other MM cartridge you may want to use.

There is an awful lot to be said for this small and simple unit, and as long as you’re not expecting to run it at really high volumes in big rooms, it can be capable of some stunning results.

So what about speakers?

Well, everyone’s tastes and budgets differ, however, we have been getting some fantastic sounds from the Rega combination paired with the new Monitor Audio Bronze 50 loudspeakers. A really funky looking and even better sounding little bookshelf loudspeaker.

This is one of those systems that works really well together to become way more than the sum of its parts. Producing a scale of sound that belies the nature of the small amp and speakers to give a big holographic soundstage. Instruments and voices are carried off into the air as if the speakers themselves are just not there. Truly stunning and for the budget it is just unbelievable what this little system can pull together and produce!

The only thing that this combo does not really get stuck into is the deeper end of the bass registers, however, that proved to be an easy remedy with the addition of the REL T Zero MK3 subwoofer. It is amazing what this unassuming little square box can add to the quality of sound. Everything is improved. Bass is deeper but also tight and in control, but somehow the mid range becomes even more open and transparent with a three dimensional soundstage. The top end also improves getting seamlessly integrated with the mid range, to the huge benefit of the vocals which become lush and way more realistic.

What this little system can do will truly knock your socks off. It has to be heard to be believed. We will be open again for demonstrations on the 13th of April, so make sure to give us a call or drop us an email, so you can book an appointment and hear what all the fuss is about!

Andy, Jon and Farid - Audio T Cheltenham

Rega can be found at the following Audio-T stores